Elon Musk has reportedly threatened to withdraw his Super Bowl sponsorship if Bad Bunny remains the 2026 halftime headliner, sparking a heated debate that’s now dividing fans, advertisers, and the NFL. The Instagram post from lady.maga.1 on Tuesday alleged Musk’s ultimatum, which has since gone viral, fueling what’s quickly becoming one of the league’s biggest off-field controversies this decade. The caption says:
“Elon Musk has threatened to pull his/Super. Bowl sponsorship if Bad Bunny performs at halftime, igniting a fierce debate that has stunned fans, advertisers, and the NFL.*ER
The league’s reaction has only deepened the controversy, making this showdown a flashpoint over culture, business, and tradition.”
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Bad Bunny vs. Elon Musk: Super Bowl Halftime Sparks Political and Cultural Firestorm
According to Newsmax’s Greg Kelly Reports (Monday), the backlash intensified after former President Donald Trump called the decision to feature Bad Bunny “absolutely ridiculous,” admitting he had “never heard of him.” Despite Bad Bunny’s towering global profile, the Puerto Rican superstar was Spotify’s most-streamed artist for three consecutive years (2020–2022), and his 2022 album Un Verano Sin Ti remains the platform’s most-streamed album ever.
Bad Bunny’s career success is undeniable. His 2022–2023 Puerto Rico residency generated between $200 million and $700 million for the island’s economy, highlighting his role as an entertainer and a cultural ambassador. Still, conservative figures have framed the NFL’s selection as a politically charged choice.
Fox News host Tomi Lahren mistakenly claimed the artist “is not an American,” a comment widely debunked since Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens by birth. The debate took another turn when Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reportedly warned that ICE agents would “be all over” the 2026 Super Bowl, a remark interpreted by critics as politically motivated.
The controversy deepened after Bad Bunny joked about the backlash during Saturday Night Live’s season premiere, saying,
“I think everybody is happy about it, even Fox News.”
The comment underscored how the musician has leaned into the criticism while embracing his cultural roots.
